Fresh Air Fun in Southwest Michigan
Find space with this self-guided fresh air fun itinerary. Space to think. Space to feel carefree. It’s what you will find all year round in Southwest Michigan. Here is an invigorating three days of activity to get you outside and loving every minute of it.
Day 1: Set your pace
From a morning paddle on the water to an evening hike through the vineyards, you will sleep well tonight.
North Pier Brewing Company
(Approximately 1½ hours)
This family friendly craft brewery’s taproom and beer garden are just minutes from Lake Michigan and popular paddling rivers. You’ll find tasty tacos, sandwiches and appetizers on their taproom menu to pair with a hand-crafted ale or lager inspired by Belgian and European brewers. Wine, homemade cocktails, cider and soft drinks are also available.
Stay long enough for a board game or shuffleboard and be sure to pick up a Makers Trail passport (September through May) to earn rewards during your stay.
670 N. Shore Dr.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Southwest Michigan Cycleboat
(Approximately 2-5½ hours)
It’s a boat and a bar! It’s the Harbor Hopper cycleboat!
You and up to 15 others, ages 12 years to adult, will spend two hours laughing while powering this Coast Guard-certified, party-on-the-water boat in the St. Joseph Harbor. Bring your own drinks and snacks onboard, or grab some when the Hopper makes its two pit-stops at restaurants along the route. An optional Lake and Land Tour includes two hours on the harbor and a three-hour Brew Bus tour to local breweries.
800 Whitwam Dr.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trails
(Approximately 1-3 hours)
These two connected trail systems in Benton Harbor/St. Joseph are year-round calorie burners that showcase 12 miles of peaceful, stop-in-your-tracks views. The loop you must experience is the 1.4-mile Jean Klock Park circuit, which you access from M-63. Its observation trail goes up the sugar-sand dune to a gull’s-eye overlook of Lake Michigan then down to the interdunal marsh and wetlands. Push on to make your way around any of the five other loops that make the Nature & Fitness Trails at Harbor Shores.
Mt. Tabor Trails
(Approximately 20 minutes-1 hour)
Try an outdoor trail experience that gets rave reviews. This 3.6-mile trail system meanders through the woods and vineyards between Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant and Round Barn Estate. The best part of these trails – you are encouraged to enjoy your favorite libation and food purchased from either winery along the way! If you are hiking close to dinner time, take the trails’ shortest round trip (1.3 miles) and dine at Tabor Hill.
Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant
(Approximately 1½ hours)
For more than 50 years, this legendary winery has crafted some of the region’s finest wines. Many say this winery changed the landscape of Southwest Michigan and other wine regions in the state when it was the first to plant European vinifera grapes. Try a glass of Tabor Hill wine, and pair it with a tantalizing selection from its restaurant menu featuring local ingredients. Eat on the outdoor patio or inside in the dining room with vineyard views. On a cooler evening, the fireplaces will chase away the chill.
185 Mt. Tabor Rd.
Buchanan, MI 49107
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 2: Push your limits
Whether you prefer hiking or biking, this tour sends you up rigorous dunes, around twisty trails and to some of the most scenic spots along our Lake Michigan coast.
Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park
(Approximately 1-2 hours)
You may want to start and end your day at this rare gem of a park. Your daytime outdoor adventuring includes scenic biking and hiking trails, disc golf, volleyball, fishing and horseshoe pits. Each winter, there are seven miles of groomed cross-country ski trails with loops for all levels, plus tubing.
But what sets this park apart is its designation as one of only three International Dark Sky Parks in Michigan! If you want to see stars, look up during one of their monthly night-viewing weekends.
15122 Monkey Run St.
Jones, MI 49061
Love Creek County Park & Nature Center
(Approximately 1-2 hours)
Featuring 200 acres of meadows, forests, marshes and creeks, there’s plenty of natural beauty to explore year-round. See the wildflowers in bloom April through October. Hike more than 5 miles of trails throughout the year. Mountain bikers can pedal 3.5 miles of beginner/intermediate trails spring through fall or get outside in the winter months to ride fat tire bikes. When snow blankets the park, cross-country ski on 5 miles of groomed trails. Fat tire bikes and cross-country ski rentals are available!
9292 Huckleberry Rd. #9736
Berrien Center, MI 49102
Haymarket Taproom
(Approximately 1 hour)
This old state police station-turned-brewery will win you over with its charming outdoor beer garden. Their wood-fired pizzas will also steal your heart. Choose staples like pepperoni and sausage or try a more unique flavor like their elote pizza. (You’ll be glad you did!) Pair it with a Blood Orange Blonde and choose your favorite picnic table to relax at (limited indoor seating is also available). Stick around for a game of corn hole beneath the twinkling lights before heading 11 minutes south to a breathtaking hiking destination.
9301 Red Arrow Hwy.
Bridgman, MI 49106
Warren Dunes State Park
(Approximately 1-2 hours)
One of the most stunning destinations in town is the towering Warren Dunes State Park (a Michigan Recreation Passport or day pass is required). Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan and, on a clear day, catch a glimpse of the Chicago skyline across the lake. The climb is mighty, but the view is worth it. If you’re up for more adventure, this 1,952-acre outdoor playground also has 6 miles of hiking or cross-country ski trails. Plus, the dunes give sand and snowboarders exhilarating rides.
12032 Red Arrow Hwy.
Sawyer, MI 49125
Galien River County Park
(Approximately 30 minutes-1 hour)
Reach new heights spring through fall at this upland and wetland habitat. Venture out along the 300-foot canopy walk to the overlook tower. The view of the marshland and the Galien River will make this short, casual hike memorable. For a closer view of the water, walk along the 600-foot marsh boardwalk, which leads to the river viewing and fishing platform. It’s a great location for wildlife viewing! Relax and listen to the birds sing until you’re ready for dinner.
17424 Red Arrow Hwy.
New Buffalo, MI 49117
Ghost Isle Brewery
(Approximately 1½ hours)
Ghost Isle offers a fun, family friendly taproom with a full-service restaurant serving classic pub fare. Sample a house-made beer flight by the outdoor fire pit on the patio overlooking 156 acres of wetlands. Or, try a hand-crafted cocktail featuring locally made wine, cider or spirits. Virgin cocktails and soft drinks are also available for the whole family to enjoy. Now head back to your hotel to rest up for one more day of great outdoor adventures.
17684 U.S. 12
New Buffalo, MI 49117
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 3: Go all out
Navigate great waters, hike wooded trails and indulge in Southwest Michigan’s best.
Pier 1000 Marina
(Approximately 7½ hours)
If you’re looking for a thrilling boating experience on the Big Lake, rent a boat at Pier 1000 Marina. Located on the St. Joseph River and Morrison Channel, you’re just a short cruise to beautiful Lake Michigan, passing by the historic St. Joseph North Pier lighthouse.
Full-day rental: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. Add to the fun by renting a towable tube! Hang on tight as you glide across the freshwater and jump the wake.
1000 Riverview Dr.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Silver Beach Pizza
(Approximately 2 hours)
Known as the “Best Pizza in Southwest Michigan,” a visit to Silver Beach Pizza is a must. It is located in the historic building adjacent to the Amtrak station just below Lake Bluff Park. Kids can keep busy at the table playing with pizza dough while you enjoy a filled-to-the-brim, ice-cold schooner of your favorite beer. Take in the Lake Michigan view, Whirlpool Compass Fountain activity and train arrivals and departures while you wait. Once the pizza arrives you’ll find out what the hype is all about.
410 Vine St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Scooter Joe’s Wheel & Water Rentals
(Approximately 2-4 hours)
We’re giving you the reins to roam town! Scooter Joe's offers family friendly surrey bikes, beach cruisers, fat tire, tandem and electric bikes, as well as kayaks, canoes, pontoon and jet ski rentals to get on the water. You can also rent beach day materials like umbrellas, wagons, beach chairs, Maui mats and more.
Whether you want to pedal as a family or on individual bikes, these rentals give you the flexibility to take up as much time as you’d like exploring our town.
508 Broad St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Lookout Park
(Approximately 30 minutes-1 hour)
The number one sight you must see while you’re here is the sunset over Lake Michigan. On the way back to your hotel make a stop at Lookout Park in St. Joseph. Watch the sun sink below the horizon and fill the western skyline with beautiful hues of red, orange and yellow. It’s the perfect way to end your stay.
3218-3320 Lakeshore Dr.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Thanks for joining us!
We hope you enjoyed your travels throughout Southwest Michigan. Check out other trips that you can take on our itineraries page.
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